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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 240
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Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
I recently acquired an 85 chevy with a factory v6/4 barrel. My truck has a 700R4 and a 3.08 rear end. It looks like the factory rating for that engine is 155 horse power and 230 ft lbs of torque. I really like the fact that it is different from the 305's I see in most trucks, but I feel like the 3.08 does not complement the 700R4 very well and the truck would be more efficient with a 3.42 or 3.73.
I would like to know what fuel economy people are getting as well as what transmission/rear axle ratio you have. I would also like to know how much you like your combination. If you don't like it, what would you change about it? I am not interested in swapping in a V8 at this time and am more interested in hearing about gearing and transmissions. Thanks! |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: DFW, TX
Posts: 65
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
I am not fully qualified to answer your question, so i simply provide this in case you've never seen it.
http://www.summitracing.com/expertad...tio-calculator |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,194
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Mine is the 4.3L TBI, MY6 manual overdrive with a 3.73 gear.
I get about 20 - 22 mpg and wouldn't change a thing. Strike that: I wouldn't mind an additional deeper low gear for launching while trailering. Other than that, I wouldn't change a thing. K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: washington
Posts: 4,178
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
The my6 has a .7o overdrive correct?
If so his 700r4 should have great first gear for launch with a load I have 3:73 gears in mine and no overdrive. I love them since I'm going for performance and once I have an overdrive then I think they would be perfect. I think the basic increase is 2-300 rpm every step in gear change. 308s are nice and 3:42 seem to be a real good blend the 3:73 will kill you a little more on the highway but the lock up feature on the overdrive helps that Make sure your lock up works Posted via Mobile Device
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377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511 |
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#5 |
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,194
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
MY6 = .73 in 4th.
K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#6 |
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: washington
Posts: 4,178
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Alright so pretty much the same as a 700r4.
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377 sbc thumpr cam autogear m23 muncie 3:73 Detroit trutrac 3''spintech prostreet mufflers xpipe 1 3/4 headers build thread !http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577217 Iroc gauge threadhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=554511 |
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#7 |
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,194
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Yes - although you would get some additional torque multiplication from the torque convertor with the 700R4, which you would not get with a manual trans.
So the tip of the hand goes to the auto for launch, in this case. K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Baytown TX
Posts: 2,219
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Did any of the 85-87 V6's come with a TH400 tranny?
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John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350 ![]() |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,194
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Yes -
For '87, in an R20 at 6400 or 7200 lb GVW. '85 and '86 have a couple C10's in the 4800/5200 GVW ratings but do not have the corresponding C20 applications. K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ Last edited by Keith Seymore; 12-04-2012 at 12:27 PM. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 240
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Very interesting information! This is what I was looking for.
Does anyone know where I can find a torque curve graph for the 80's 4.3? Or at the very least the RPM's where it made max torque and HP? That information would help me to decide if I wanted to change the rear axle or not. |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,194
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
I have a hard copy of the Info packet for the '87 pickup at my desk; I keep flipping back to that as you ask questions:
http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-h...tion-kits.html I didn't find a graph, but did see a reference that the '87 TBI V6 was rated at 160 HP (SAE net) at 4000 rpm, and 235 lb-ft torque at 2400 rpm. K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#12 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: indisclosed
Posts: 1,515
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
This seems like a really good combination. It would also be interesting to see what kind of E.T. it could produce as well.
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: baytown, texas
Posts: 310
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
My '85 GMC came with the standard 4.3. That's what I know for sure. It also came with the thicker rotors. It currently has a t400. Question is did it come with the 400? Or was it installed by PO?
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#14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Motor City
Posts: 9,194
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Quote:
- or - depending on how badly you want to know: you can send your VIN and $50 to the GM Heritage Center archive and they will send you the invoice for your specific truck. http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/ K
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Chevrolet Flint Assembly 1979-1986 GM Full Size Truck Engineering 1986 - 2019 Intro from an Old Assembly Guy: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342926 My Pontiac story: http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=560524 Chevelle intro: http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...hevy-chevelle/ |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 240
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
What kind of fuel are you guys running in your 4.3's?
The previous owner of my truck said that the engine would not run on modern fuel containing ethenol. I kind of thought that was bologna. It looks like the 85 4.3L is 9.3:1 compression ratio. So perhaps it runs best on something higher than 87 octane. I have not put gas in it since I got the truck last Thursday. |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: baytown, texas
Posts: 310
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Thanx Keith for the help
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 3,930
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
I've noticed that on new trucks, the 4.3L actually gets WORSE gas mileage than the 4.8 and 5.3 V8's according to the window sticker. I found it a bit odd, considering that a smaller motor should do better.
Then I drove one and realized they give the V6 a pretty bad rear gear, probably the same one that comes standard with the V8's. The V8's get better mileage because they have more grunt to move the truck with that awful gear ratio. The V6 just has to suffer though it. Give these V6 trucks a better gear ratio and I bet the gas mileage and towing capacity would go up. I bet they would drive pretty nice as well. Though I'm sure they cripple them with a high gear so the V8 will feel better on a test drive and you lay down the extra cash at the dealership. Same concept with the V6 Mustangs. Manual trans cars got a 2.73 gear, so first and reverse were really crummy. Though I'm sure the rear gear helped cruise RPM's to some extent, the fact is it would have been a fun car to drive with a 3.55 gear. Ford would rather have to you buy the more expensive GT if you want fun, so the V6 is set up as cheap/economic/utilitarian option. This way, the V8 buying customers stay that way and the V6 is there for people who want to spend as little as possible and don't care about power. Giving people a cheap V6 that gets better gas mileage than the V8 and feels somewhat close in power could hurt V8 sales and lose a lot of money.
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1977 GMC Sierra Grande Last edited by Pyrotechnic; 12-06-2012 at 01:51 AM. |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Weare,NH
Posts: 1,592
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Sales is onw reason. Its kind of odd that GM is still using the 4.3L V6 when the SBC's were phased out over a decade ago. I guess all the R+D dollars for the truck engine line are spent on the V8's
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#19 |
made in america
Join Date: May 2010
Location: baton rouge la
Posts: 653
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
i had an 02 blazer that had the fuel injected 4.3 v6 and an auto trans and when it was stock it was an absolute dog. 15mpg around town no power at all. i changed the gears up to 373 and did a few mods to the engine and after the dyno tune i was gettin 18-19mpg city and upwards of 21mpg on the hwy. sounded alot better too. i know its a fuel injection motor vs tbi? but that was my experience
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2005 gmc sierra- 4/6, t56, cammed 5.3. 4.10, big bars, and brakes. sounds good 1964 c10-283 powerpack, 3 on the tree ![]() 2004 corvette- lowered, borla, tuned. slow ![]() my old girl 1966 c10- 305v8, t-5 sold |
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#20 |
made in america
Join Date: May 2010
Location: baton rouge la
Posts: 653
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
heres the truck
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2005 gmc sierra- 4/6, t56, cammed 5.3. 4.10, big bars, and brakes. sounds good 1964 c10-283 powerpack, 3 on the tree ![]() 2004 corvette- lowered, borla, tuned. slow ![]() my old girl 1966 c10- 305v8, t-5 sold |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 3,930
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
That's really cool! Sounds awesome too.
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1977 GMC Sierra Grande |
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#22 |
made in america
Join Date: May 2010
Location: baton rouge la
Posts: 653
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
thanks man!
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2005 gmc sierra- 4/6, t56, cammed 5.3. 4.10, big bars, and brakes. sounds good 1964 c10-283 powerpack, 3 on the tree ![]() 2004 corvette- lowered, borla, tuned. slow ![]() my old girl 1966 c10- 305v8, t-5 sold |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 240
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
Thanks for all the replies.
Just wanted to follow up on this thread after filling it up and driving it to work tonight. Tonight was the first time I drove it any distance over 10 miles. It made the 32 mile drive to work without any problems and seemed to get better as I drove it more. It ran just fine on the 87 octane I put in it at the local Kangaroo. I am now interested in learning more about how the 700R4 works (regarding vacuum controls and the TC). I have not had much experience with these transmissions and need to do some more reading about them. Thanks again! |
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#24 |
No No
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Pueblo Colorado
Posts: 1,781
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the 86 I has was converted to a 350 before I got hold of it imo a 4.3 in a long box with a 3.08 rear end is useless. it had a 700r4 from the factory as well the po switched for a th350. from the diagrams and what was left under the hood seems to indicate the 700r4 was controlled by vacuum like the s10's I've always been curious about this anyone have any input?
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1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 240
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Re: Question for 85-87 Owners with 4.3L 262ci V6's
So far I have driven 691 miles in the truck. Here are the different MPG I got.
1st fill up 13.3 gallons: mainly back and forth to work which consited of some highway driving and some city driving. 15.6 mpg 2nd fill up 8.9 gallons: (topped off the tank): mainly back and forth to work which consisted of some highway driving and some city driving. 15.4 3rd fill up 13.4 gallons: mostly highway driving 72-77 mph: 14.2 4th fill up 9.5 gallons: drove 142 miles where the speed limit was 55mph. Most of the driving was between 55 and 65mph. 19.2 mpg! All around average for all 4 fill ups was 15.52 mpg. |
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